I defy you to dislike the deliciously devilish DEXTER

Dexter is a thoroughly entertaining, witty, macabre series from Showtime starring Michael C Hall.

Michael C Hall has previously portrayed David Fisher, a gay, repressed mortician, in HBO’s series Six Feet Under. I was a fan of the series and enjoyed Hall's skill in bringing his character to life. He did such a fantastic job with the role that I thought it would be difficult to transition into any other part without being reminded of David Fisher.

Thanks to the writer’s strike, I had the opportunity to test my theory when CBS decided to edit Showtime’s series Dexter for primetime on Sunday evenings at 10:00 pm. The first episode of season one aired a few weeks ago and I was hooked immediately.

I couldn’t wait a full week to view the next episode and was lucky enough to find that season one was available On Demand from Showtime, in the original, uncut version. It’s also available in DVD format for purchase or rental from plenty of online and local outlets. The complete season one is currently available at Amazon.com for $27.99.

Dexter the series, is based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, adapted for television by James Manos Jr. The series premiered on Showtime October 2006.

Season One introduces us to Dexter Morgan, a well respected and generally well liked blood pattern analyst for the Forensic unit of the Miami Metro Police Department. We also learn that Dexter is a sociopathic serial killer who satisfies his dark needs by targeting criminals who have fallen through the cracks. I feel I must defend Dexter by noting he has a complete code of ethics in choosing his victims and regardless of understanding how wrong this brand of justice is, I was charmed by this killer.

Season One also introduces us to the people in Dexter’s life and part of the fun is watching Dexter maintain his façade of normalcy. Afterall, a sociopath is incapable of forming meaningful relationships. Yet, Dexter has a girlfriend, a former abuse victim and single mom with 2 young children. He has a stepsister who is a police officer with the Miami Metro Police Department. He has coworkers with whom he enjoys all the trappings of real friendships.

You feel for Dexter and you want him to feel, but he is, as he states in narratives over and over again, empty.The only thing that enables him legitimate feeling is bloodshed, which is why his vocation and avocation are so rewarding. His job allows Dexter to hide in plain sight and the murders feed his dark desires.

Throughout each episode, we learn details about Dexter’s past and the hows and whys of the monster he’s become. We learn about the trauma which occurred so early in his life, and subsequent handling of that event is revealed. It introduces us to his deceased stepfather Harry, a legendary detective with the Miami Metro Police Department and in flashbacks examines the relationship through Dexter’s formative years. Have no fear, Dexter was not the cause of Harry’s demise. And Harry’s got a secret or two of his own as you discover by the end of the season.

Each episode features a murder by a serial killer dubbed the Ice Truck killer, and also the ritualistic killing of one of Dexter’s victims. It’s a cat and mouse game within a cat and mouse game. The Ice Truck killer eluding the Miami’s finest, and Dexter hiding his true nature.

The Ice Truck killer begins to engage Dexter by communicating with him in gruesome and very personal ways. Dexter’s reaction is at once strange and predictable as he revels in the game. What connection do these two have? The answer is too close for comfort and involves the people closest to Dexter. One lone, singular in his opinion, detective at the Miami Metro Police begins to notice Dexter may not be what he seems. This creates additional tension for Dexter and adds to the excitement.

The story arc is well crafted from beginning to end and I was carving out time I didn’t have to watch episode after episode until the wee hours of early morning.

There’s so much going on, but unlike Lost, you’ll feel rewarded with every episode. Each episode raises new questions, but you’re treated to plenty of answers.

The supporting cast of characters and actors are integral to the success of the series. They’re believable, unique, and it’s really interesting to observe the relationships.

I completely underestimated Michael C Hall. Other than dead bodies, there’s not a trace of Six Feet Under’s David Fisher. Hall is completely believable and yes! likable as Dexter Morgan. He wears sanity as well, better actually, than most. He’s charming, attractive, great with kids. When I’m watching I think wow, he’d be such a great friend, father, neighbor or husband! I overlook his murderous ways and justify it with either philosophy: the ends justify the means, or he’s doing a greater good.

I love Dexter’s interaction with his exuberant, good natured sister. She’s full of life, expressive and has an affinity for letting the “F” word fly. She's also ambitious and driven to succeed in the homicide division, which could cramp Dexter's style. Dexter’s girlfriend is as he characterizes it “ almost as damaged as me” which is why he chooses her in an effort to appear normal, but hoping to avoid sexual intimacy. He calculates she’s the safe choice. Dexter appears to bond really well with her young son and daughter; they clearly adore him. Watching these relationships makes it difficult to reconcile that Dexter with the serial killer if it weren’t for his constant musings and weekly murders.

Michael C Hall is capable of very sardonic expression. He’s got an impish grin and a mischievous twinkle in his eye which provide a great deal of irony for the viewer who is aware of his true identity.

Season one includes 12 episodes, each approximately 56 minutes long. Each episode is for mature audiences for excessive profanity and bloodshed. The series is well acted, and well written. It’s dark, but full of wit.

Additional Cast (partial)

Julie Benz
Role: Rita Bennett (Dexter’s girlfriend)

Lauren Velez
Role: Lt. Maria LaGuerta

Jennifer Carpenter
Role: Debra Morgan (Dexter’s stepsister)

Erik King
Role: Sgt. Doakes (suspects there’s more than meets the eye with Dexter)

David Zayas
Role: Angel Batista

James Remar
Role: Harry Morgan (Dexter’s deceased stepfather)